Laptop computer as a transmitter for wireless charging

ABSTRACT

Configurations and methods of wireless power transmission using a laptop computer may include a transmitter and/or a receiver embedded in the laptop screen. The embedded transmitter may emit RF waves for the generation of pockets of energy that may be utilized by receivers in peripheral devices for charging or powering. Meanwhile, the receiver embedded in the laptop computer may collect RF waves from a separate transmitter for charging or powering the laptop computer.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/104,503, filed on Dec. 12, 2013, which is incorporated by referencein its entirety.

This application relates to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser.No. 13/891,430 filed May 10, 2013, entitled “Methodology ForPocket-forming;” U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.13/925,469 filed Jun. 24, 2013, entitled “Methodology for MultiplePocket-Forming;” U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.13/946,082 filed Jul. 19, 2013, entitled “Method for 3 DimensionalPocket-forming;” U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.13/891,399 filed May 10, 2013, entitled “Receivers for Wireless PowerTransmission;” and U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.13/891,445 filed May 10, 2013, entitled “Transmitters for Wireless PowerTransmission;, all of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates in general to wireless powertransmission, and more specifically to configurations and methods ofwireless power transmission using a laptop or tablet computer.

BACKGROUND

Laptop or tablet computers are often used in synchronization withseveral peripheral devices such as computer mice, keyboards,smartphones, headsets, and the like. These peripheral devices mayinclude batteries for allowing wireless operation with the laptop ortablet computer. However, when charge is depleted, the batteries inthese peripheral devices may have to be replaced, or said peripheraldevices may need to connect to the laptop computer for charging. Thismay produce tedious continuous connecting/disconnecting of peripheraldevices for charging, and may also require the use of all available USBports in the laptop computer.

What is needed are methods and systems for allowing continuous wirelesscharging and operation of peripheral devices that may operate inconjunction with a laptop or tablet computer.

SUMMARY

Configurations and methods of wireless power transmission using a laptopor tablet computer are disclosed. According to an embodiment, atransmitter may be embedded in the laptop computer screen fortransmitting RF waves towards one or more peripheral devices, wherethese RF waves may generate pockets of energy that may allow thewireless charging of one or more peripheral devices. These peripheraldevices may include a receiver for collecting and using the transmittedRF waves. Examples of peripheral devices may include headsets, computerkeyboards and mice, smartphones, and the like.

A method for wireless power transmission to an electronic device from acomputer system, comprising the steps of: embedding a pocket-formingtransmitter in a screen display of the computer system; transmittingpower RF waves/from the pocket-forming transmitter having a radiofrequency integrated circuit, antenna elements, a microprocessor andcommunication circuitry; generating pockets of energy from thetransmitter to converge in 3-d space at predetermined locations;integrating a receiver having antenna elements and communicationcircuitry within the electronic device; converting the pockets of energyfrom the transmitter to the integrated receiver to power the electronicdevice.

An apparatus for wireless power transmission to an electronic devicefrom a computer system, comprising: a pocket-forming transmitterembedded in a screen display of the computer system having antennaelements, a RF circuit, a digital signal processor for controlling theRF circuit of the transmitter and communication circuitry connected to apower source of the computer system; power RF waves generated from theRF circuit in the transmitter to form pockets of energy; a receiverembedded in the electronic device with communication circuitry andantenna elements arranged in a predetermined array for capturing thepockets of energy converging in 3-D space at the receiver; a batteryconnected to the receiver for wirelessly charging the battery from thepockets of energy.

According to another embodiment, the laptop computer may include both, atransmitter and a receiver, for simultaneously transmitting andreceiving RF waves. In this case, laptop computer may be wirelesslycharged by a separate transmitter in proximity, while the laptopcomputer may also wirelessly charge one or more peripheral deviceswithin range. Yet in another embodiment, the laptop computer may includea single transmitter that can also be used as a receiver. In this case,a software algorithm may be used to control the switching using sameantenna elements for transmitting or receiving RF waves.

Laptop computer's screen may exhibit different configurations forintegrating a transmitter or a receiver. In one embodiment, thetransmitter may be integrated between the LED/LCD back-light layer andthe frame, while the receiver may be integrated along the edges of thescreen. Transmitter or receiver may be integrated in the front or backof the laptop screen as required by the application, using stand-alonecomponents or shared screen components.

A method for wireless power transmission using a laptop computer mayinclude the steps of selecting the appropriate transmitter within range,verifying battery charge levels in laptop computer, identifyingperipheral devices available and within range, pocket forming generationand wireless charging.

The disclosed systems and methods for wireless power transmission usinga laptop computer may allow seamless operation and wireless chargingbetween one or more peripheral devices and the laptop computer, withoutthe need of using physical cables or connections. Additional featuresand advantages can become apparent from the detailed descriptions whichfollow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure can be better understood by referring to thefollowing figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily toscale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles ofthe disclosure. In the figures, reference numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless power transmission for charging one ormore peripheral devices using a laptop computer.

FIG. 2 shows a component level embodiment for a transmitter that may beembedded in laptop computer screen for the generation of wireless powertransmission.

FIG. 3 depicts a component level embodiment of a receiver that may beembedded in peripheral devices or laptop computer for wireless poweringor charging.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a laptop screen configurationthat may be used in the wireless power transmission shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of another laptop screen configurationwhich may include both a transmitter and a receiver.

FIG. 6 depicts an example of wireless power transmission where a laptopcomputer may use the laptop screen configuration shown in FIG. 5 forsimultaneously receiving and transmitting RF waves.

FIG. 7 illustrates a simplified flowchart, of a wireless powertransmission process that may be implemented, for charging one or moreperipheral devices using a laptop computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is here described in detail with reference toembodiments illustrated in the drawings, which form a part here. Otherembodiments may be used and/or other changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Theillustrative embodiments described in the detailed description are notmeant to be limiting of the subject matter presented here.

Definitions

As used here, the following terms may have the following definitions:

“Pocket-forming” may refer to generating two or more RF waves whichconverge in 3-d space, forming controlled constructive and destructiveinterference patterns.

“Pockets of energy” may refer to areas or regions of space where energyor power may accumulate in the form of constructive interferencepatterns of RF waves.

“Null-space” may refer to areas or regions of space where pockets ofenergy do not form because of destructive interference patterns of RFwaves.

“Transmitter” may refer to a device, including a chip which may generatetwo or more RF signals, at least one RF signal being phase shifted andgain adjusted with respect to other RF signals, substantially all ofwhich pass through one or more RF antenna such that focused RF signalsare directed to a target.

“Receiver” may refer to a device including at least one antenna element,at least one rectifying circuit and at least one power converter, whichmay utilize pockets of energy for powering, or charging an electronicdevice.

“Adaptive pocket-forming” may refer to dynamically adjustingpocket-forming to regulate power on one or more targeted receivers.

“Peripheral devices” may refer to electronics devices or accessoriesthat can be used in conjunction with a laptop computer, where theseelectronics devices may include a receiver for collecting RF waves.

FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless power transmission 100 for charging one ormore peripheral devices using a laptop computer 102 or tablet computer.Peripheral devices may include a headset 104, a keyboard 106, a mouse108, and a smartphone 110, among others. These peripheral devices mayoperate wirelessly with laptop computer 102 through Bluetoothcommunication, and may include rechargeable batteries (not shown in FIG.1).

A transmitter (not shown in FIG. 1) may be embedded in the laptopcomputer 102 screen to transmit controlled Radio Frequency (RF) waves112 which may converge in 3-d space. These RF waves 112 may becontrolled through phase and/or relative amplitude adjustments to formconstructive and destructive interference patterns (pocket-forming).Pockets of energy 114 may be formed at constructive interferencepatterns and can be 3-dimensional in shape, while null-spaces may begenerated at destructive interference patterns. A receiver (not shown inFIG. 1) embedded in each of the peripheral devices may then utilizepockets of energy 114 produced by pocket-forming for charging orpowering the batteries in peripheral devices.

According to some aspects of this embodiment, laptop computer 102 may beconnected to a conventional AC plug for charge its battery to suitablelevels, while providing wireless power transmission to one or moreperipheral devices.

FIG. 2 illustrates a component level embodiment for a transmitter 200that may be embedded in laptop computer 102 screen for the generation ofwireless power transmission 100. Transmitter 200 may include a housing202, at least two or more antenna elements 204, at least one RFintegrated circuit (RFIC) 206, at least one digital signal processor(DSP) or micro-controller 208, and one communications component 210.Housing 202 can be made of any suitable material which may allow forsignal or wave transmission and/or reception, for example plastic orhard rubber. Antenna elements 204 may include suitable antenna types foroperating in frequency bands such as 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz asthese frequency hands conform to Federal Communications Commission (FCC)regulations part 18 (Industrial, Scientific and Medical equipment).Antenna elements 204 may include vertical or horizontal, polarization,right hand or left hand polarization, elliptical polarization, or othersuitable polarizations as well as suitable polarization combinations.Suitable antenna types may include, for example, patch antennas withheights from about 1/8 inches to about 8 inch and widths from about 1/8inches to about 6 inch. Other antenna elements 204 types can be used,for example meta-materials, dipole antennas among others.

RFIC 206 may include a proprietary chip for adjusting phases and/orrelative magnitudes of RF signals which may serve as inputs for antennaelements 204 for controlling pocket-forming. These RF signals may beproduced using a power source 212 and a local oscillator chip (notshown) using a suitable piezoelectric material. Power source 212 mayinclude the battery of laptop computer 102 which can be recharge using aconventional AC plug. Using communications component 210,micro-controller 208 may process information sent by the receiversembedded in peripheral devices through for determining optimum times andlocations for pocket-forming. Communications component 210 may be basedon standard wireless communication protocols which may includeBluetooth, Wi-Fi or ZigBee. In addition, communications component 210may be used to transfer other information such as an identifier for thedevice or user, battery level, location or other such information. Othercommunications component 210 may be possible, including radar, infraredcameras or sound devices for sonic triangulation of the device'sposition.

FIG. 3 illustrates a component level embodiment for a receiver 300 thatmay be embedded in peripheral devices or laptop computer 102 forwireless powering or charging. Receiver 300 may be integrated inperipheral devices and may include a housing 302 where at least oneantenna element 304, one rectifier 306, one power converter 308 and acommunications component 310 may be included. Housing 302 can be made ofany suitable material which may allow for signal or wave transmissionand/or reception, for example plastic or hard rubber. Housing 302 may bean external hardware that may be added to different electronicequipment, for example in the form of cases, or can be embedded withinelectronic equipment as well. Antenna element 304 may include suitableantenna types for operating in frequency bands similar to the bandsdescribed for transmitter 200 from FIG. 2. Antenna element 304 mayinclude vertical or horizontal polarization, right hand or left handpolarization, elliptical polarization, or other suitable polarizationsas well as suitable polarization combinations. Using multiplepolarizations can be beneficial in peripheral devices where there maynot be a preferred orientation during usage or whose orientation mayvary continuously through time, for example smartphone 110. On thecontrary, for devices with well-defined orientations, for examplekeyboard 106, there might be a preferred polarization for antennas whichmay dictate a ratio for the number of antennas of a given polarization.Suitable antenna types may include patch antennas with heights fromabout 1/8 inches to about 6 inch, and widths from about 1/8 inches toabout 6 inch. Patch antennas may have the advantage that polarizationmay depend on connectivity, i.e. depending on which side the patch isfed, the polarization may change. This may further prove advantageous asreceiver 300 may dynamically modify its antenna polarization to optimizewireless power transmission 100.

Rectifier 306 may include diodes or resistors, inductors or capacitorsto rectify the alternating current (AC) voltage generated by antennaclement 304 to direct current (DC) voltage. Rectifier 306 may be placedas close as is technically possible to antenna element 304 to minimizelosses. After rectifying AC voltage, DC voltage may be regulated usingpower converter 308. Power converter 308 can be a DC-DC converter whichmay help provide a constant voltage output to charge the batteries 312of peripheral devices. Typical voltage outputs can be from about 5 voltsto about 10 volts. In some embodiments, power converter 308 may includeelectronic switched mode DC-DC converters which can provide highefficiency. In such a case, a capacitor (not shown) may be includedbefore power converter 308 to ensure sufficient current is provided.Lastly, a communications component 310, similar to that of transmitter200 from FIG. 2, may be included in receiver 300 to communicate with atransmitter 200 or to other electronic equipment.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a laptop screen configuration 400used in wireless power transmission 100. In this particular laptopscreen configuration 400, transmitter 200 may be embedded in laptopcomputer 102 for the transmission of RF waves 112 towards one or moreperipheral devices, as shown in FIG. 1.

Laptop computer 102 screen may be formed of different layers, includinga front transparent screen layer 402, a polarized film layer 404, aLED/LCD back-light layer 406, and a frame 408. According to some aspectsof this embodiment, transmitter 200 may be integrated in laptop computer102 screen, specifically between LED/LCD back-light layer 406 and frame408. As shown in FIG. 4, transmitter 200 may include a plurality ofantenna elements 204 facing out of laptop computer 102 screen. Thisconfiguration of antenna elements 204 may allow suitable transmission ofRP waves 112 towards peripheral devices that may be located in front oflaptop computer 102 screen. In other embodiments, transmitter 200 may beembedded in the circuitry elements or metal mesh (touchscreen versions)of laptop computer 102 screen.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of another laptop screen configuration 500where laptop computer 102 screen may include both, transmitter 200 andreceiver 300, for providing and receiving wireless charging.

Similarly as in FIG. 4, laptop computer 102 screen may be formed ofdifferent layers, including front transparent screen layer 402,polarized film layer 404, LED/LCD back-light layer 406, and frame 408.According to some aspects of this embodiment, transmitter 200 may beintegrated between LED/LCD back-light layer 406 and frame 408, whilereceiver 300 may be integrated along frame 408. As shown in FIG. 5,antenna elements 204 of transmitter 200 may be pointing out of thescreen, while antenna elements 304 of receiver 300 may be embeddedaround the edges of frame 408 for allowing the reception of RF waves 112from RF waves 112 sources or transmitters at different locations.

The location and configuration of transmitter 200 and receiver 300 inlaptop computer 102 screen may vary according to the application. Forexample, in one embodiment, receiver 300 may be configured In the middleof the back of frame 408 and may include high directional antennaelements 304 that can be oriented towards a transmitter in proximity tolaptop computer 102 for receiving suitable wireless charging. In anotherembodiment, laptop computer 102 screen may include a single transmitter200 that may also operate as a receiver 300, in which case, transmitter200 may use same antenna elements 204 for transmitting and receiving RFwaves 112. That is, transmitter embedded in laptop computer 102 screenmay switch between those antenna elements 204 receiving RF waves 112 forcharging the battery of laptop computer 102 or transmitting RF waves 112for charging the batteries in peripheral devices. An algorithm processedat micro-controller 208 may be used to control the switching betweentransmitting and receiving RF waves 112 using same antenna elements 204.

FIG. 6 shows another example of wireless power transmission 600 wherelaptop computer 102 may use laptop screen configuration 500 forsimultaneously receiving and transmitting RF waves 112.

According to some aspects of this embodiment, one or more separatetransmitters 602 may direct RF waves 112 towards the edges of laptopcomputer 102 screen where antenna elements 304 of receiver 300 may beintegrated (not shown in FIG. 6). Consequently, pockets of energy 114may be captured by antenna elements 304 and utilized by the receiver 300to charge the battery of laptop computer 102. Simultaneously,transmitter 200 (not shown in FIG. 6), also embedded in laptop computer102, may direct RF waves 112 towards one or more peripheral devices.

Transmitter 602 may exhibit similar configuration as transmitter 200shown in FIG. 2. However, transmitter 602 may exhibit a larger footprintas it may not be limited by the size of a computer screen, and it mayalso include a higher amperage power source 212 such as a standard120/220 volts AC house connection compared to transmitter 200 which mayobtain power from the battery of laptop computer 102. This may allowtransmitter 602 to have a wider wireless charging range compared totransmitter 200.

Peripheral devices such as headset 104, keyboard 106, mouse 108, andsmartphone 110 may be wirelessly charged by RF waves 112 emitted fromtransmitter 200 in laptop computer 102. In addition, these peripheraldevices may also be wirelessly charged directly by RF waves 112 emittedfrom one or more transmitters 602 in proximity to laptop computer 102.In this case, an algorithm processed at micro-controller 208 maycoordinate the operation between transmitter 200 embedded in laptopcomputer 102 screen and transmitter 602 positioned on the room walls.For example, this algorithm may decide which transmitter, transmitter200 or transmitter 602, should be sending RF waves 112 to wirelesslycharge peripheral devices, depending on the proximity and/or energylevels of the battery in laptop computer 102. In one embodiment, both,transmitter 200 and transmitter 602, may simultaneously direct RF waves112 towards peripheral devices for increasing power transfer, ifrequired by the application.

FIG. 7 shows a simplified flowchart of a wireless power transmissionprocess 700 that may be implemented for charging one or more peripheraldevices using laptop computer 102. This process may be applicable to theembodiments of wireless power transmission 100, 600 shown in FIG. 1 andFIG. 6.

Wireless power transmission process 700 may begin by selecting one ormore transmitters in range, at block 702. One or more peripheral devicesmay require wireless charging, in which case, one or more transmitters602 in the room, or transmitter 200 embedded in laptop computer 102 maybe selected if they are within a suitable range. For example, ifsmartphone 110 is not within a suitable charging distance from laptopcomputer 102 (e.g. not in the table), then the higher power transmitter602 may be selected for providing wireless charging. According to someembodiments, wireless charging distance for transmitter 200 in laptopcomputer 102 may be optimized within a range of about 1 to 3 meters; ifperipheral devices are outside this range, then they can be wirelesslycharge by transmitter 602.

Laptop computer 102 may also include a software application that mayprovide information about the distance, charging levels, efficiency,location, and optimum positioning of laptop computer 102 with respect toperipheral devices and transmitter 602.

After selecting the transmitter within the optimal charging range,wireless power transmission process 700 may continue by checking thecharge levels of the battery in laptop computer 102, at block 704. Thischeck may be performed by a control module included in laptop computer102 (not shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6) or by micro-controller 208 intransmitter 200. Different charging levels for the battery in laptopcomputer 102 may be established for maintaining suitable wirelesscharging. For example, minimum and maximum charging thresholds may beestablished at about 25% and 99% of total charge respectively. That is,if battery charge is below the minimum threshold or 25%, then laptopcomputer 102 can be connected to a standard 120/220 AC volts outlet orit may receive wireless charging from transmitter 602. When batterycharge is at 99% or at least above 25%, laptop computer 102 may transmitRF waves 112 for charging one or more peripheral devices in range.

Wireless power transmission process 700 may continue at block 706, wherecommunications component 210 in transmitter 200 or transmitter 602 mayidentify one or more peripheral, devices that may require wirelesscharging. Charging or powering priorities and other parameters such aspower intensity and pocket-forming focus/timing may be established usinga control module included, in laptop computer 102 (not shown in FIG. 4and FIG. 5) or micro-controller 208 in transmitters 200, 602. Forexample, based on charging or powering priorities, transmitter 200 ortransmitter 602 may be configured to first provide wireless charging tomouse 108, followed by keyboard 106, and lastly to headsets 104.

After peripheral are identified and charging priorities/parameters intransmitter 200 or transmitter 602 are set, transmission of RF waves 112towards the designated peripheral devices can begin, at block 708, wherethese RF waves 112 may generate pockets of energy 114 at receivers 300for powering or charging one or more peripheral devices, sequentially orsimultaneously.

Using communications component 210, transmitter 200 embedded in laptopcomputer 102 or transmitter 602 on the wall may continuously check ifthere are other peripheral devices that may require wireless charging orpowering, at block 710. If new or additional peripheral devices areidentified, then transmitter 200 or transmitter 602 may wirelesslycharge the identified peripheral devices according to the establishedcharging priorities, optimum ranges, battery levels and/or otherparameters, if no further peripheral devices are recognized or needwireless charging, then wireless power transmission process 700 may end.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed, other aspectsand embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodimentsdisclosed are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to belimiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A laptop computer comprising: a screen portioncomprising a screen layer and a transmitter layer, wherein thetransmitter layer comprises at least two or more antennas configured totransmit power waves that converge to form constructive interference ina proximity of a receiver; and a communication component configured tocommunicate with the receiver.
 2. The laptop computer according to claim1, wherein the communications component is configured to receive a powerrequirement from the receiver.
 3. The laptop computer according to claim1, wherein the communications component is configured to receive dataselected from the group consisting of a battery level, a deviceidentifier, a user identifier, and an indication of power consumption.4. The laptop computer according to claim 1, wherein the at least twoantennas comprise a flat antenna, a patch antenna, or a dipole antenna.5. The laptop computer according to claim 1, wherein the screen portionfurther comprises frame having a back-light layer and a screen displaylayer, and the transmitter is positioned between the frame and theback-light layer.
 6. The laptop computer according to claim 1, whereinthe power waves are selected from a group consisting of electromagneticwaves, radio waves, microwaves, acoustics, ultrasound, and magneticresonance.
 7. The laptop computer according to claim 1, wherein thetransmitter is a substantially planar layer.
 8. The laptop computeraccording to claim 1, wherein the transmitter is positioned on a frameof the screen portion.
 9. The laptop computer according to claim 1,wherein the transmitter is adjacent a back-light layer of the screenportion.
 10. A computer system comprising: a screen portion comprising ascreen layer; two or more antennas in the screen portion that areconfigured to transmit power waves that converge to form constructiveinterference in a proximity of a receiver; and a communicationscomponent configured to communicate with the receiver.
 11. The computersystem according to claim 10, wherein the computer system is a laptopcomputer, desktop computer, or a notebook computer.
 12. The computersystem according to claim 10, wherein the computer system is a tabletcomputer or a smart phone.
 13. The computer system according to claim10, wherein the communications component is configured to receive apower requirement from the receiver.
 14. The computer system accordingto claim 10, wherein the communications component is configured toreceive data selected from the group consisting of a battery level, adevice identifier, a user identifier, and an indication of powerconsumption.
 15. The computer system according to claim 10, wherein theat least two antennas comprise a flat antenna, a patch antenna, or adipole antenna.
 16. The computer system according to claim 10, whereinthe at least two antennas are positioned between a frame and aback-light layer.
 17. The computer system according to claim 10, whereinthe power waves are selected from a group consisting of electromagneticwaves, radio waves, microwaves, acoustics, ultrasound, and magneticresonance.
 18. The computer system according to claim 10, wherein the atleast two antennas comprise a substantially planar layer.
 19. Thecomputer system according to claim 10, wherein the at least two antennasare positioned on a frame of a screen portion.
 20. The computer systemaccording to claim 10, wherein the at least two antennas are adjacent aback-light layer of a screen portion.